Frequently Asked Questions

I’m not certain if my college and/or master’s degrees are appropriate for application to the doctoral program. What should I do?Applicants for the doctorate are expected to already possess, at a minimum, the M.M.H. or a terminal medical or related-degree field. Examples of acceptable credentials may include the following degrees: M.D., M.P.H., M.S.W., M.S.N., an M.A. in the humanities or Ph.D. The Graduate Admissions Committee evaluates degrees and application on an individual basis. Contact the Office of Graduate Admissions (at 973 408-3110 or gradm@drew.edu) with any specific questions regarding your credentials.

Do I need to take the GRE? What about comprehensive examinations or language requirements?Applicants to the Medical Humanities program do not need to take the GRE. Neither comprehensive nor language exams are required in the Medical Humanities program.

What do graduates do with a degree in Medical Humanities?The Medical Humanities program is not a professional program in the sense that there are prescribed steps individuals follow after graduating. Graduates and current students are a diverse group. They are employed in medical centers, HMO’s, private practices, the publishing and legal worlds, and in grant writing and philanthropy, to name but a few occupations. They work in such fields as patient advocacy, clinical ethics, hospital administration, recovery therapy, journal writing/editing, hospice care and the chaplaincy. Many students seek to use the education they receive at Drew to further enhance, complement, and expand their skills and knowledge. The one common denominator among Medical Humanities students is that the are all acutely interested in the discourse that occurs between medicine as a science and care-giving as a humane and humanistic art.

What is the makeup of the student body in Medical Humanities?Aside from coming from a multitude of professional backgrounds and walks of life, students in the program also reflect a broad range of ages, ethnicities and countries of origin. Students range from recent college graduates to retired professional, and come from as far away as Japan and India to take part in the program.

I have family and work commitments. Can I take classes part-time?Students in the Medical Humanities program may elect to study on a full or part-time basis. Most classes meet in the late afternoon or early evening to accommodate the schedules of working professionals enrolled in the program.

If admitted, can I defer my admission offer?You may defer your offer of admission for up to two terms (e.g., if you applied for spring admission, you can defer to any term up to spring of the following year). After that time you must reapply again through the Office of Graduate Admissions.

It’s been a while since I’ve been in school. Will I feel out-of-place in this program?Aside from coming from a multitude of professional backgrounds and walks of life, students in the program also reflect a broad range of ages, ethnicities, and countries of origin. A significant strength of the program is the multiplicity of voices that are present in the student body.

Do I need to pass comprehensive exams or language exams?Neither comprehensive nor language exams are required in the Medical Humanities program.

I’ve taken some graduate-level classes at other institutions. Can I transfer those credits to this program?Generally, the answer is no. The only exception exists where a student may have earned the equivalent of a Certificate in Medical Humanities at another institution and requests that admittance to the Drew master’s program with advanced standing (transfer credit). In this instance, the Admissions Committee may grant advanced standing if it is satisfied that the prior course work was comparable to what Drew requires for the C.M.H. This determination rest solely with the Graduate Admissions Committee.

Is there campus housing available for students in the Medical Humanities program?There is a limited amount of campus housing available for full-time students and their families. Units range from dormitories to apartments. There are also commuter rooms available which allow students to stay on campus up to three nights per week. All apartment and residence hall applications are made to the Housing Office. For more information on graduate housing, visit the Residence Life Website.